title: Clinical findings of functional and secondary constipation in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to evaluate clinical features and follow-up data of children with functional and secondary constipation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hospital records of 335 constipated children were evaluated. Children were divided into 2 groups as functional and secondary, and were compared with regard to clinical and anthropometric data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 335 children (M/F 167/168, mean age 4.3±3.5 years) 91% had functional constipation (group 1). Family history of constipation was significantly higher in group 1. Malnutrition was found in 18% of group 1, 56% in group 2 (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If a constipated child has a family history of constipation but does not have failure to thrive and constipation begins at an older age, functional constipation is more probable.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, Alsancak, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ozlem Bekem
authors.initials: OB
authors.lastname: Soylu
keywords: Children; Constipation; Diagnosis; Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders